With the year winding down and many already preparing to again in 2024, Run Republic spoke to David of Ardee & District AC to see how the year went for the club, before recapping some of the highlights of the past year.
David immediately told us how happy he was with the year, and went on to explain the increase in numbers that the club experienced in 2023. 'We had record numbers, over 35, doing the Dublin City Marathon this year [and] a significant amount of these were former couch to 5k people.'
'We had international representation at the Valencia Marathon and Malaga Half in the last few weeks. Over 40 club members ran at the Annagassan 10k with massive PBs for most club members.'
To put the growth of the club into perspective, David told us that '4 years ago we would have typically 5 to 10 [members] doing these events'. This increase since the coronavirus lockdown is staggering and shows that the club is truly headed in the right direction.
David highlighted that the juvenile members of Ardee & District AC have demonstrated incredible commitment to training all year, and their performances in competition have been excellent. The successes of the summer camps and sports days that the club hosted saw great turn outs from the juvenile members, and the club is looking forward to continuing that trend in 2024.
David told Run Republic what some of the goals are for Ardee & District AC for the year ahead, '[We are] still looking for our own ground, we are struggling here in finding a local plot of land to purchase. [We would like to] grow our annual races, 5 and 10k, and continue to support athletes and Athletics in Louth and Ardee Area. Finally, to encourage the community to participate in the club, either through Couch to 5K or as volunteers to help run the club.'
With the club growing year after year in terms of membership and participation at events, your support of this club could be hugely beneficial for yourself as well as the clubs' future progression too. With new facilities in their plans, now is the time to join Ardee & District AC and get active in the community!